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Ireland WNT: Campaign off to a winning start in NI

Republic of Ireland Women's National Team made a winning start to their FIFA 2019 World Cup qualification campaign with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland.

19th Sep 2017

Colin Bell's side controlled the game throughout and went ahead on the stroke of half-time as Rachel Furness headed into her own net. Megan Campbell doubled the lead half-way through the second-half with a brilliant strike as Ireland claimed an important three points.

Bell went for an experienced side with the likes of Niamh Fahey and Karen Duggan making up a strong midfield as Katie McCabe led the team out for the first time.

Ireland took time to settle but almost went ahead just after the half-hour as Campbell's bullet-throw found Stephanie Roche and her header came off the bar in the 33rd minute.

Six minutes later, Ireland were denied again but by the keeper this time as Campbell's throw found Louise Quinn and her header was brilliantly saved off the line, and Diane Caldwell failed to convert.

Just as it looked Ireland would go into the break level, they found the break-through. Once again, Campbell's throw towards the near post caused all the problems as Rachel Furness glanced her throw past the keeper and into her own net in the last seconds of the first-half.

Quinn almost got herself on the scoresheet as her fierce effort from a corner was well-blocked by Jessica Foy, but they didn't have to wait long to double their lead.

In the 68th minute, Manchester City star Campbell saw her throw-in cleared back to herself on the right and from 25-yards, she curled the ball home brilliantly with just over 20 minutes remaining.

Ireland continued to create chances but failed to add to their tally as they get their campaign off to a winning start against Northern Ireland. Unfortunately, striker Stephanie Roche was stretchered off in the final stages of the game and was brought to hospital for a scan after the final whistle.

WNT Head Coach Colin Bell said: "It was a great performance from the team and I'm delighted to be going home with the points.

"We could have scored a few more goals than we did but we've learnt a lot from tonight's game and I'm sure we'll continue to improve as the campaign continues.

"It is a real positive to be able to bring Tyler Toland and Amber Barrett on to make their debuts. It is a big moment for them and I'm sure they both have a huge future with the team ahead of them.

"We wait for news on Stephanie. We hope she hasn't suffered a bad injury as she is a crucial member of the team."

Ireland WNT: McCabe relishes captaincy ahead of NI test

Republic of Ireland skipper Katie McCabe has urged her teammates to look past the occasion and focus on the result ahead of the FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland.

18th Sep 2017

The WNT skipper is set to lead out the team for the first-time in the qualifier against Northern Ireland at Mourneview Park, Lurgan, with kick-off at 7.30pm.

With Ireland also set to face Norway, Netherlands and Slovakia in Group D, the opener against Northern Ireland will be a crucial game in Ireland's quest to qualify for a major tournament for the first time.

Having travelled up to Northern Ireland on Sunday, the WNT squad trained at Mourneview Park earlier today and McCabe is relishing the prospect of the opening qualification game.

McCabe said: "It's a huge occasion and there is a real buzz in the squad ahead of the game. We've had an excellent camp and trained really well. Everyone is fresh and raring to go.

"It's always exciting at the start of a new campaign and you can tell everyone is really up for it, and obviously, it's a great way to start a new campaign.

"The new players have come into the squad and slotted in really well. The standard has been really high out there so we really just want to get going now."

McCabe was handed the captain's armband by Women's National Team Head Coach Colin Bell after former captain Emma Byrne retired in the summer.

Opponents Northern Ireland lost their opening game of the campaign, a 4-1 defeat in Norway but McCabe believes they will provide tough opposition and that Ireland need to play above the occasion.

McCabe continued: "There has been a lot of hype about the game ever since we were drawn against each other but we need to put all that to the back of our minds.

"It's going to be a tough game but it's important we focus on ourselves and what we can do as we've shown we can play some excellent football this year.

"It's going to be a really proud moment to lead the team out and all my family will be here to watch, you'll probably hear them screaming! But it is special, and it's something you always dream about.

"The result is all that matters though, it's going to be a big three points to get away from home and we need to focus on getting that first win of the campaign over the line."

Team News: Claire O'Riordan has been called up to the squad from Wexford Youths with Heather Payne doubtful with a calf strain.

Bell names 20-player WNT squad for Northern Ireland

Republic of Ireland Women's National Team squad for the 2019 World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland has been confirmed.

31st Aug 2017

The WNT Head Coach Colin Bell has named a 20-player squad ahead of the opening FIFA 2019 World Cup qualifying Group 3 fixture on Tuesday, September 19th with kick-off at 7.30pm at Mourneview Park, Lurgan.

UCD Waves defender Claire Walsh and Maiden City midfielder Tyler Toland have received their first call-ups to the Women's Senior squad whilst Stephanie Roche returns to the squad following a hamstring injury.

Peamount United striker Amber Barrett has also received her first international call-up to the Women's Senior squad after her impressive form for the Continental Tyres Women's National League side.

Florida State Seminoles midfielder Megan Connolly misses out on the squad due to educational commitments with nine players of the 20 selected from the Continental Tyres Women's National League.

WNT Head Coach Colin Bell said: "Firstly, I want to congratulate Claire Walsh, Amber Barrett and Tyler Toland on their first call-up to the senior squad.

"It is a huge moment in any player's career and they should be immensely proud. Claire and Amber have been in great form for their respective clubs this season and rightly take their place in the squad, where I expect them to challenge for a starting spot.

"Tyler is an exceptional young talent who I was able to watch closely during the Women's Under 17 European Championships in May. She is a player I believe who would benefit from being around the senior squad as we look to progress the young talent we have in Ireland.

"It's great to Stephanie Roche back and fit for selection ahead of a crucial game. It's imperative we start the campaign on a positive note and I'm really looking to getting the squad in on Wednesday, September 13th."